The Great Reversal

Scripture Reading — Luke 16:19-31

In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
— Luke 16:23

In
this parable of Jesus, the rich man lived in luxury. He never knew
the harsh pangs of hunger or the weariness of working his fingers to
the bone. He lived in a gated community to which beggars came daily.
In those days it was commonly thought that wealth like his was a
blessing from God because he was close to God.

Lazarus
was a beggar who sat at the rich man’s gate. He was covered with
sores, and stray dogs came to lick them. The rich man probably
wouldn’t appreciate having to walk by Lazarus whenever he left or
returned to his gated mansion.

The
rich man and Lazarus were worlds apart on this earth, but they had
one thing in common: they both died. Death brought them before the
face of God, who judges all. And the roles were reversed for these
men. The rich man found himself in torment with no relief, and
Lazarus lived in the comfort and loving care of God.

The
name Lazarus
means “God is my help.” We need to acknowledge that we need God’s
help and guidance in the choices we make each day. Jesus calls us to
care for people in need, using the resources God has given us. Just
as God has cared for us, we can care for others. We can seek justice
and lift up the disadvantaged and oppressed. As the season of Lent
reminds us, we can follow the way of Christ, dying to ourselves for
his sake—and finding full life.

Prayer

Lord, help me to die to my possessions, my ambitions, and my hidden sins, recognizing that life is found only in you. Amen.